Communication system, communication method and program

Abstract

To provide a communication system capable of flexibly coping with a change in address of a communication partner.SOLUTION: A communication signal including an address that identifies a communication partner is generated by reading a set value stored in a memory 12, and in accordance with the read set value. The set value includes multiple count values for defining respective times. The communication signal is generated by inverting the signal level every time the time based on each of the multiple count values elapses. Hence, an address change in accordance with the number of communication partners and with the kind thereof can be merely carried out by changing the set value stored in the memory 12. Accordingly, it becomes possible to flexibly cope with a change in address of the communication partner.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technique for a control unit to transmit, to at least one communication partner, a communication signal including an address that identifies the communication partner. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a system including a master device and a slave device. In the system of Patent Document 1, the master device transmits a command including the address of the slave device according to a point-to-point network protocol (e.g., the SENT protocol). The slave device processes the received command and generates a reply if the address included in the command matches the address of the slave device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-149703 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, the system of Patent Document 1 transmits a command from one master device to multiple slave devices over one communication line, and each slave device determines whether the addresses included in the command match, and responds if they match. As such, Patent Document 1 is primarily targeted at slave devices, and does not specifically state a method for generating commands (communication signals) to be output from the master device.

[0005] In the system of Patent Document 1 described above, the master device is configured by a controller having a communication node, and the slave device is configured by a sensor having a bidirectional node. When the system of Patent Document 1 is applied to a different target, the number and type of sensors may change. When the number and type of sensors change in this way, it may become necessary to change the addresses included in the commands. It is desirable for the controller to be able to flexibly respond to such address changes.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned points, and aims to provide a communication system, a communication method, and a program that can flexibly respond to changes in the address of a communication partner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a communication system (100) of the present disclosure is a communication system in which a control unit (10) transmits a communication signal including an address identifying the communication partner to at least one communication partner (21, 22), a memory (12) provided in the control unit for storing setting values ​​for generating a communication signal; a generating unit (14) provided in the control unit and configured to generate a communication signal in accordance with a set value stored in the memory; The set value includes a plurality of count values ​​for defining a time period; The generating unit generates a communication signal by inverting the signal level every time a time based on the multiple count values ​​elapses.

[0008] The present disclosure also provides a communication method for a control unit (10) to transmit a communication signal including an address identifying the communication partner to at least one communication partner (21, 22), the communication method comprising: reading the settings stored in the memory (12) of the control unit for generating the communication signal; and a generating unit (14) provided in the control unit generates a communication signal in accordance with the read setting value; The set value includes a plurality of count values ​​for defining a time period; The generating unit generates a communication signal by inverting the signal level every time a time based on the multiple count values ​​elapses.

[0009] Furthermore, the present disclosure provides a program that is executed by at least one processor (11), and that causes a control unit (10) to transmit a communication signal including an address identifying the communication partner to at least one communication partner (21, 22), the program comprising: At least one processor has reading the settings stored in the memory (12) of the control unit for generating the communication signal; and generating a communication signal in accordance with the read setting value; The set value includes a plurality of count values ​​for defining a time period; The communication signal is generated by inverting the signal level every time a time based on a plurality of count values ​​elapses.

[0010] As described above, according to the communication system, communication method, and program disclosed herein, a communication signal including an address identifying a communication partner is generated by reading a setting value stored in a memory and generating the communication signal according to the setting value. The setting value includes a plurality of count values ​​for specifying a time. The communication signal is generated by inverting the signal level each time a time based on the plurality of count values ​​elapses.

[0011] Therefore, when changing the address due to a change in the number or type of communication partners, it is sufficient to change the setting value stored in memory, making it possible to provide a communication system, communication method, and program that can flexibly respond to changes in the addresses of communication partners.

[0012] The reference numbers in parentheses above merely indicate an example of a correspondence with specific configurations in the embodiments described below, in order to facilitate understanding of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0013] Furthermore, the technical features of the present disclosure other than those described above will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for generating a communication signal including an address that identifies a communication partner and for receiving data transmitted from the communication partner. [Figure 3] 3 is a flowchart showing details of the process of step S110 in the flowchart of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting values. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of setting values. [Figure 6] 4 is a timing chart for explaining the operation of the ECU when generating and outputting a communication signal in accordance with a set value. [Figure 7] 5 is a diagram showing a communication signal generated by the setting values ​​shown in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] 6 is a diagram showing a communication signal generated by the setting values ​​shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for generating a communication signal according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of a communication system, a communication method, and a program according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications described below are also included within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, in addition to the following, various modifications can be implemented without departing from the gist of the present disclosure. The embodiments and various modifications can be implemented in appropriate combinations as long as no technical contradictions arise. In the following description, identical or similar components may be assigned the same reference numerals across multiple drawings, and their description may be omitted. Furthermore, when only a portion of a component is mentioned, the description provided elsewhere may apply to the other components.

[0016] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 100 according to a first embodiment. The communication system 100 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 10 as a control unit and ICs 21 and 22 as at least one communication partner 20. The ECU 10 and the ICs 21 and 22 are connected to each other via a single communication line 30 so that they can communicate with each other. The communication from the ICs 21 and 22 to the ECU 10 can be configured to be performed according to, for example, the SENT (Single Edge Nibble Transmission) protocol. Note that FIG. 1 shows an example in which two ICs 21 and 22 are provided as communication partners. The number of ICs 21 and 22 as communication partners may be one or three or more.

[0017] The SENT protocol is, in principle, a communication protocol for point-to-point communication. The SENT protocol uses pulse width modulation and transmits signals in 4-bit units called nibbles. More specifically, the SENT protocol starts with a falling edge, and expresses "0000" to "1111" by a low level for 5 ticks followed by a high level for a duration corresponding to 12 to 27 ticks. A tick is the basic unit of time in the SENT protocol. Note that, in this embodiment, the communication protocol for communication from ICs 21 and 22 to ECU 10 is not limited to the SENT protocol, and other communication protocols may be adopted.

[0018] In this embodiment, as will be described in detail later, a unique address is assigned in advance to each of the ICs 21 and 22 with which the ECU 10 communicates. The ECU 10 is configured to transmit a communication signal including the address of each of the ICs 21 and 22 with which it intends to communicate.

[0019] The ICs 21 and 22, which are communication partners, each have a signal processing circuit and a communication circuit. The signal processing circuit may be a computer including a CPU, memory, etc., or may be a dedicated processing circuit for processing digital signals. When each IC 21 or 22 receives a communication signal from the ECU 10 via the communication circuit, the signal processing circuit determines whether the address included in the communication signal matches its own address. Then, only if the address included in the communication signal matches its own address, does the IC 21 or 22 execute the processing instructed by the communication signal (e.g., transmitting sensor data).

[0020] Each of the ICs 21 and 22 may constitute, for example, a sensor device. When the ICs 21 and 22 constitute a sensor device, the ICs 21 and 22 are each connected to a detection element (not shown) that detects a predetermined physical quantity. The ICs 21 and 22 then generate sensor data in a signal processing circuit based on the detection signal from the corresponding detection element. The sensor data generated by the ICs 21 and 22 may relate to the same type of physical quantity or different types of physical quantities.

[0021] Furthermore, each of the ICs 21 and 22 can receive a communication signal from the ECU 10 through the communication circuit, and can also transmit a signal including sensor data from the communication circuit to the ECU 10. In this embodiment, each of the ICs 21 and 22 is configured to transmit a signal including generated sensor data to the ECU 10 in response to receiving a communication signal including an address that matches its own address from the ECU 10.

[0022] Here, there are several possible variations in the timing at which sensor data is generated in each IC 21, 22. For example, in a first example, each IC 21, 22 generates sensor data from a detection signal in response to receiving a communication signal including its own address from the ECU 10 and transmits the generated sensor data to the ECU 10. In a second example, each IC 21, 22 has a storage unit that temporarily stores the generated sensor data. Each IC 21, 22 periodically generates sensor data and stores the generated sensor data in the storage unit. Then, each IC 21, 22 transmits the sensor data stored in the storage unit in response to receiving a communication signal including an address matching its own address from the ECU 10. In a third example, each IC 21, 22 generates sensor data from a detection signal in response to receiving a measurement trigger signal from the ECU 10, for example, a signal targeting all ICs 21, 22, and stores the sensor data in the storage unit. Then, each IC 21, 22 transmits the sensor data stored in the storage unit in response to receiving a communication signal including an address matching its own address from the ECU 10.

[0023] The sensor device configured with each of the ICs 21 and 22 detects desired physical quantities required to control a control target, such as the position, angle, acceleration, vibration, pressure, flow rate, temperature, humidity, and magnetic flux of a detection target. The sensor device configured with each of the ICs 21 and 22 can be used to control various mobile objects and mechanical equipment, such as automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, aircraft, drones, robots, production facilities, and construction machinery. For example, automobiles are equipped with systems that require multiple sensor devices, such as electric power steering systems, fuel injection control systems, air conditioning systems, and various ADAS systems. The communication system 100 according to this embodiment can be suitably applied to communication between these multiple sensor devices and the control units of the corresponding systems.

[0024] However, the communication partner with the ECU 10 in the communication system 100 according to this embodiment is not limited to the ICs 21 and 22 that constitute the sensor device. For example, the communication system 100 according to this embodiment may be applied to communication between ECUs.

[0025] The ECU 10 may be configured by a computer including at least one processor, a CPU 11, and a memory 12 that stores programs executed by the CPU 11 and multiple setting values ​​for generating communication signals including addresses of the ICs 21 and 22. The memory 12 includes RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. The ECU 10 further includes a timer circuit 13 and a communication circuit 14.

[0026] Each set value stored in memory 12 includes multiple count values ​​for defining time. Timer circuit 13 operates to count the multiple count values ​​included in each set value in sequence. Communication circuit 14, which serves as a generation unit, generates a communication signal including the address of each IC 21, 22 by inverting the signal level in response to completion of counting of the count value to be counted in timer circuit 13, and transmits the communication signal from communication line 30. Furthermore, upon receiving sensor data from each IC 21, 22, communication circuit 14 outputs the received sensor data to CPU 11.

[0027] As described above, the communication signal including the address of each IC 21, 22 may instruct the IC 21, 22 that received the communication signal including an address that matches its own address to transmit sensor data. Additionally, the communication signal including the address of each IC 21, 22 may instruct the IC 21, 22 that received the communication signal including an address that matches its own address to generate sensor data based on the detection signal. Alternatively, for example, if at least one IC 21, 22 is connected to multiple detection elements and can generate multiple pieces of sensor data, the communication signal including the address of each IC 21, 22 may instruct the IC 21, 22 that can generate the multiple pieces of sensor data to transmit the sensor data while specifying the type of sensor data to be transmitted.

[0028] Next, an example of processing executed in the ECU 10 to generate a communication signal including an address that identifies a communication partner will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 2 and 3. The processing shown in the flowcharts of Figures 2 and 3 can be mainly performed by the CPU 11 of the ECU 10 as the CPU 11 executes a program stored in the memory 12. Furthermore, the processing shown in the flowcharts of Figures 2 and 3 is repeatedly executed, for example, every time the ECU 10 determines that it is time to acquire sensor data from each of the ICs 21 and 22.

[0029] In the first step S100, the ECU 10 selects the ICs 21 and 22 with which to communicate in this process. In the following step S110, the ECU 10 generates and transmits a communication signal including the address of the selected ICs 21 and 22. When each IC 21 and 22 receives the communication signal, the IC 21 and 22 having an address that matches the address included in the communication signal returns sensor data to the ECU 10. In step S120, the ECU 10 receives the sensor data transmitted from the ICs 21 and 22.

[0030] The flowchart of Fig. 3 shows details of the process of step S110 in the flowchart of Fig. 2. In the first step S200 of the flowchart of Fig. 3, the ECU 10 activates the timer circuit 13. This puts the timer circuit 13 into a state where it can perform a counting operation.

[0031] In step S210, the ECU 10 outputs an initial value (for example, a low-level signal) as a communication signal from the communication circuit 14. In step S220, the ECU 10 sets the variable i to "1." In step S230, the ECU 10 compares the variable i with the number of elements of the set value, i.e., the number of count values ​​included in the set value. If the variable i is equal to or less than the number of elements of the set value, the ECU 10 proceeds to the processing of step S240. On the other hand, if the variable i is greater than the number of elements of the set value, the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3 is terminated. Note that immediately after the variable i is set to "1" in step S220, the set value includes multiple count values, and therefore, in step S230, it is determined that the variable i is equal to or less than the number of elements of the set value.

[0032] In step S240, the ECU 10 reads and acquires from the memory 12 the set values ​​corresponding to the ICs 21 and 22 that are the communication partners selected in step S100 of the flowchart in FIG. 2. Furthermore, the ECU 10 selects one count value from among the multiple count values ​​included in the acquired set values. The count value is selected in accordance with the sorting order (arrangement order) of the count values. That is, in the first selection, the first count value among the multiple count values ​​is selected. Then, each time the counting of the selected count value is completed, the next count value is selected in accordance with the sorting order of the count values.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows an example of the set values ​​for IC21. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the set values ​​include seven count values. The seven count values ​​are arranged in the following order: 1, 1, 1, 3, 1, 2, 3. FIG. 5 shows an example of the set values ​​for IC22. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the set values ​​include nine count values. The nine count values ​​are arranged in the following order: 1, 2, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 1, 1. The count values ​​are selected in accordance with their respective arrangement orders (arrangement orders).

[0034] In step S250 of the flowchart in FIG. 3, the ECU 10 sets the selected count value in the timer circuit 13. Once the count value is set, the timer circuit 13 performs a countdown from the set count value as a counting operation every time a predetermined unit time elapses. Then, in step S260, the ECU 10 determines whether the count value has reached 0 as a result of the countdown by the timer circuit 13. If it is determined that the count value has reached 0, the ECU 10 proceeds to the processing of step S270. On the other hand, if it is determined that the count value is not 0, the ECU 10 repeatedly executes the processing of step S260 until the count value reaches 0.

[0035] In step S270, the ECU 10 inverts the level of the communication signal output from the communication circuit 14. For example, if the communication circuit 14 is outputting a low-level communication signal, the ECU 10 inverts the level of the communication signal to a high level. Conversely, if the communication circuit 14 is outputting a high-level communication signal, the ECU 10 inverts the level of the communication signal to a low level.

[0036] In step S280, ECU 10 counts up variable i. Then, the process returns to step S230. Then, in step S230, the incremented variable i is compared with the number of elements of the set value, and if variable i is equal to or less than the number of elements of the set value, the process proceeds to step S240. Therefore, the processes of steps S240 to S280 are repeated a number of times corresponding to the number of elements of the set value.

[0037] Here, the operation of the ECU 10 when generating and outputting a communication signal in accordance with the set value will be described in detail with reference to the timing chart of Fig. 6. The timing chart of Fig. 6 shows the operation of the ECU 10 when generating and outputting a communication signal in accordance with the set value for the IC 21.

[0038] 6, at time T1, the timer circuit 13 is started, and a low-level signal, for example, is output as an initial value of the communication signal from the output port of the communication circuit 14. Furthermore, at time T1, the timer circuit 13 is set to "1," which is the first count value in the arrangement (arrangement) of the multiple count values ​​(1, 1, 1, 3, 1, 2, 3) included in the set value.

[0039] At time T2, when a predetermined unit time has elapsed since time T1 and the count value of the timer circuit 13 becomes "0," the level of the communication signal is inverted and the level of the communication signal output from the output port of the communication circuit 14 changes to high. Furthermore, at time T2, the next (second) count value, "1," is set in the timer circuit 13 in accordance with the arrangement (arrangement) order of the multiple count values.

[0040] At time T3, when a predetermined unit time has elapsed since time T2 and the count value of the timer circuit 13 becomes "0," the level of the communication signal is inverted and the level of the communication signal output from the output port of the communication circuit 14 changes to a low level. Furthermore, at time T3, the next (third) count value, "1," is set in the timer circuit 13 in accordance with the arrangement (arrangement) order of the multiple count values.

[0041] At time T4, when a predetermined unit time has elapsed since time T3 and the count value of the timer circuit 13 becomes "0," the level of the communication signal is inverted and the level of the communication signal output from the output port of the communication circuit 14 changes to high. Furthermore, at time T4, the next (fourth) count value, "3," is set in the timer circuit 13 in accordance with the arrangement (arrangement) of the multiple count values.

[0042] At time T5, when the time from time T4 for the timer circuit 13 to count down from the count value "3" to the count value "0" has elapsed, the level of the communication signal is inverted and the level of the communication signal output from the output port of the communication circuit 14 changes to a low level. Furthermore, at time T5, the next (fifth) count value, "1," is set in the timer circuit 13 in accordance with the arrangement (order) of the multiple count values.

[0043] At times T6 and T7, similar operations are performed, and as the count value of the timer circuit 13 becomes "0," the level of the communication signal is inverted, and a new count value is set in the timer circuit 13 in accordance with the arrangement (arrangement) order of the multiple count values. Then, at time T8, the value of variable i becomes "8," so that the value of variable i becomes greater than the number of elements in the set value. Therefore, at time T8, the level of the communication signal is not inverted, and a new count value is not set in the timer circuit 13.

[0044] By the above-described operation of the ECU 10, communication signals corresponding to the multiple count values ​​included in the set values ​​are generated and sent from the communication line 30. Fig. 7 shows the communication signals generated by the set values ​​for the IC 21 shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 8 shows the communication signals generated by the set values ​​for the IC 21 shown in Fig. 5.

[0045] As described above, according to this embodiment, a communication signal including an address identifying a communication partner is generated according to a set value stored in memory 12. The set value includes a plurality of count values ​​for specifying a time. The communication signal is generated by inverting the signal level each time a time based on the plurality of count values ​​elapses. Therefore, even if it becomes necessary to change the address when the number or type of communication partners changes, it is only necessary to change the set value stored in memory 12. Therefore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to flexibly respond to changes in the addresses of communication partners.

[0046] In the first embodiment described above, the multiple count values ​​included in the set value are set in the timer circuit 13 in accordance with the order of the multiple count values. The timer circuit 13 then counts down from the set counter value each time a predetermined unit time elapses. However, the counting of the count value by the timer circuit 13 is not limited to this example. That is, the multiple count values ​​included in the set value may be set as thresholds to be compared with the count value of the timer circuit 13 in accordance with the order of the multiple count values. In this case, the timer circuit 13 may be configured to be initialized to 0 in accordance with the setting of the threshold value and to count up from the initial value each time a predetermined unit time elapses.

[0047] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] In the first embodiment described above, the timer circuit 13 is used to count the multiple count values ​​included in the set value. However, in the second embodiment, the timer circuit 13 is not used, and the RAM included in the memory 12 of the ECU 10 is used to count the multiple count values ​​included in the set value. Therefore, in this embodiment, the ECU 10 has a configuration in which the timer circuit 13 is deleted from the configuration shown in FIG. 1.

[0049] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for generating a communication signal by counting a count value using the RAM included in the memory 12 according to the second embodiment. Note that some steps in the flowchart of Fig. 9 perform the same process as the corresponding steps in the flowchart of Fig. 3. Steps performing such similar processes are given the same reference numbers, and their explanations may be omitted.

[0050] 9, in this embodiment, the timer circuit 13 is not used, and therefore there is no step of starting the timer circuit 13. Furthermore, in steps S210 to S240 and steps S270 to S280 of the flowchart in FIG. 9, the same processes as those in the corresponding steps of the flowchart in FIG.

[0051] In step S255, the ECU 10 sets the selected count value in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM. In step S262, the ECU 10 determines whether the RAM value has become 0. If it is determined that the RAM value has become 0, the ECU 10 proceeds to the process of step S270. On the other hand, if it is determined that the RAM value is not 0, the ECU 10 proceeds to the process of step S264.

[0052] In step S264, the ECU 10 counts down the RAM value. Then, in step S266, the ECU 10 waits until a certain time corresponding to a predetermined unit time has elapsed. Thereafter, the ECU 10 proceeds to the process of step S262. This process enables the ECU 10 to count the multiple count values ​​included in the set value without using the timer circuit 13. As a result, the ECU 10 can generate a communication signal corresponding to the multiple count values ​​included in the set value.

[0053] In this embodiment, too, the count value may be set as a threshold value, and the RAM value may be counted up from the initial value of 0.

[0054] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0055] In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the CPU 11 of the ECU 10 reads out the setting values ​​stored in the memory 12 and sets the plurality of count values ​​included in the read setting values ​​in the timer circuit 13. In contrast, in the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 10, a direct memory access (DMA) controller 15 is configured to read out the plurality of count values ​​included in the setting values ​​stored in the memory 12 and set the read count values ​​in the timer circuit 13. The operation of the ECU 10 shown in Fig. 10 will now be described.

[0056] Each time the CPU 11 determines that the time has come to acquire sensor data from each of the ICs 21 and 22, it specifies to the DMA controller 15 the address where the multiple count values ​​are stored, the number of count values ​​to be transferred, and the like, which are included in the setting values ​​for generating a communication signal including the address of the IC 21 or 22 to be used as a communication partner. Furthermore, the CPU 11 instructs the DMA controller 15 to start transferring the count values ​​to the timer circuit 13.

[0057] In response to a transfer start instruction from CPU 11, DMA controller 15 reads the count value from the specified address in memory 12 and transfers it to timer circuit 13. Then, when the count value set in timer circuit 13 is completed, DMA controller 15 is triggered to read the next count value and set it in timer circuit 13. DMA controller 15 repeats this process the number of times equal to the number of count values ​​specified by CPU 11.

[0058] In this embodiment, the transfer of the count value from the memory 12 to the timer circuit 13 is performed by the DMA controller 15, thereby reducing the processing load on the CPU 11. Furthermore, the DMA controller 15 allows the count value to be set in the timer circuit 13 at high speed, making it possible to always generate a communication signal with an appropriate shape.

[0059] In the above-described third embodiment, the CPU 11 and the DMA controller 15 can be considered to function as the processor of the present disclosure.

[0060] The flowcharts shown in the present disclosure are merely examples, and the number of steps constituting the flowchart and the execution order of the processes can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the system and method described in the present disclosure may be implemented by a dedicated computer comprising a processor programmed to execute one or more functions embodied in a computer program. The system and method described in the present disclosure may be implemented using dedicated hardware logic circuits. The system and method described in the present disclosure may be implemented by one or more dedicated computers configured by combining a processor that executes a computer program with one or more hardware logic circuits. For example, some or all of the functions of the ECU 10 may be implemented as hardware. Implementations of certain functions as hardware include implementations using one or more integrated circuits (ICs). The processor may be a CPU, an MPU, a GPU, a data flow processor (DFP), or the like. Some or all of the functions of the ECU 10 may be implemented using any of a system-on-chip (SoC), an integrated circuit (IC), and a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The concept of an IC also includes an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). A computer program may be stored as instructions executed by a computer on a computer-readable non-transitory tangible storage medium. Examples of storage media for the program include a hard-disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), and flash memory. The scope of the present disclosure also includes a program for causing a computer to function as ECU 10, and a non-transitory tangible storage medium such as a semiconductor memory on which the program is stored.

[0061] Finally, this specification discloses the following technical ideas and combinations thereof. The combinations of the following technical ideas apply not only to communication systems but also to communication methods and programs.

[0062] (Technical thought 1) A communication system (100) for transmitting a communication signal including an address identifying at least one communication partner (21, 22) from a control unit (10), a memory (12) provided in the control unit for storing setting values ​​for generating the communication signal; a generating unit (14) provided in the control unit and configured to generate the communication signal in accordance with the set value stored in the memory; the set value includes a plurality of count values ​​for defining a time; The generation unit generates the communication signal by inverting a signal level every time a time based on the plurality of count values ​​elapses.

[0063] (Technical thought 2) further comprising a timer circuit (13); the timer circuit operates to count the plurality of count values ​​in sequence; The communication system described in Technical Idea 1, wherein the generation unit generates the communication signal by inverting the signal level in response to the timer circuit completing counting of the count value to be counted.

[0064] (Technical Thought 3) The communication system according to Technical Idea 2 further comprises a DMA controller (15) that reads the plurality of count values ​​included in the set value from the memory in order and sets them in the timer circuit.

[0065] (Technical Thought 4) In the control unit, a plurality of count values ​​are counted in sequence by a repetitive process that is repeatedly executed at a fixed control period; The communication system described in Technical Idea 1, wherein the generation unit generates the communication signal by inverting the signal level in response to the counting of the count value to be counted being completed by the repeated processing.

[0066] (Technical Thought 5) the control unit transmits the communication signal to a plurality of communication partners, the communication signal including an address that identifies the communication partner; the memory stores a plurality of the setting values ​​corresponding to a plurality of the communication partners; The communication system according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 4, wherein the generation unit selects the setting value corresponding to the communication partner with which communication is to be performed.

[0067] (Technical Thought 6) the communication partner is a sensor device that detects a predetermined physical quantity, The communication system is a communication system described in any one of technical ideas 1 to 5, wherein the control unit is used to acquire a sensor signal from the sensor device identified by an address included in the communication signal.

[0068] (Technical Thought 7) The communication system according to any one of Technical Ideas 1 to 6 is applied to communication between a control unit of an electric power steering system in a vehicle and a plurality of sensor devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 10: ECU, 11: CPU, 12: Memory, 13: Timer circuit, 14: Communication circuit, 15: DMA controller, 20: Communication partner, 21: IC, 22: IC, 30: Communication line, 100: Communication system

Claims

1. A communication system (100) for a control unit (10) to transmit a communication signal to at least one communication partner (21, 22) including an address identifying said communication partner, a memory (12) provided in the control unit for storing setting values ​​for generating the communication signal; a generating unit (14) provided in the control unit and configured to generate the communication signal in accordance with the setting value stored in the memory; the set value includes a plurality of count values ​​for defining a time; The generation unit generates the communication signal by inverting a signal level every time a time based on the plurality of count values ​​elapses.

2. further comprising a timer circuit (13); the timer circuit operates to count the plurality of count values ​​in sequence; The communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the generation unit generates the communication signal by inverting the signal level in response to completion of counting the count value to be counted in the timer circuit.

3. 3. The communication system according to claim 2, further comprising a DMA controller (15) that reads a plurality of count values ​​included in the set value from the memory in order and sets them in the timer circuit.

4. In the control unit, a plurality of count values ​​are counted in sequence by a repetitive process that is repeatedly executed at a fixed control period; The communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the generating unit generates the communication signal by inverting the signal level in response to completion of counting the count value of the count target by the repeated processing.

5. the control unit transmits the communication signal to a plurality of communication partners, the communication signal including an address that identifies the communication partner; the memory stores a plurality of the setting values ​​corresponding to a plurality of the communication partners; The communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the generating unit selects the setting value corresponding to the communication partner with which communication is to be performed.

6. the communication partner is a sensor device that detects a predetermined physical quantity, The communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is used to acquire a sensor signal from the sensor device identified by an address included in the communication signal.

7. The communication system according to claim 1 , wherein the communication system is applied to communication between a control unit of an electric power steering system in a vehicle and a plurality of sensor devices.

8. A communication method for a control unit (10) to transmit to at least one communication partner (21, 22) a communication signal including an address identifying said communication partner, comprising: reading out settings stored in a memory (12) of the control unit for generating the communication signal; and a generating section (14) provided in the control unit generates the communication signal in accordance with the read setting value; the set value includes a plurality of count values ​​for defining a time; The communication method, wherein the generation unit generates the communication signal by inverting a signal level every time a time based on a plurality of the count values ​​elapses.

9. A program executed by at least one processor (11), for causing a control unit (10) to transmit to at least one communication partner (21, 22) a communication signal including an address identifying said communication partner, At least one of said processors reading out settings stored in a memory (12) of the control unit for generating the communication signal; and generating the communication signal in accordance with the read setting value; the set value includes a plurality of count values ​​for defining a time; The communication signal is generated by inverting a signal level each time a time based on a plurality of the count values ​​elapses.

Images